Monday, September 8, 2014

Losing a Beloved Dog

Saturday my family had to make the tough decision to put one of our dogs to sleep. Even with surgery there was a good chance she wouldn't make it, and if she did, she'd be in pain. We had no choice but to put her down.

It's always hard losing a pet. They really are family members and this dog was the epitome of a lap dog!

We found Kiki seven years ago (pic below). Only about a year old, she was in bad shape with manage and ringworm. We took her in, cared for her, and quickly learned she also had epilepsy. I begged my parents to keep her and luckily they obliged!

At six pounds, this dog looked like an oversized rat with huge bat ears, lost most of her teeth over the years, began losing her fur, and without skin even started changing colors! But to us, she was the cutest little thing. And it didn't hurt that she was the most loving dog we'd ever encountered. She always had to be on someone. And when she wasn't licking you non-stop she was hugging you. I think having been homeless, she developed separation anxiety. When I moved out several years ago I took her with me. That lasted two hours. When I left my apartment, she shrieked (like straight up horrifying screams that sounded like she was getting murdered!) until enough of my neighbors complained to the manager and I had to return her to my parents. At least I lived close and was able to see her if not daily, on a weekly basis.

I'm sure most have you have lost a pet and unfortunately know the specific pain I'm feeling. As much as it hurts that's she's gone, we're all trying to think about how great of a life we gave her. She was so spoiled and so loved. And she loved us. We're pretty lucky that she wandered into our life!

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51 comments:

So sorry to hear about your sweet dog. I know how painful the loss is. Dogs hold such special places in our hearts and it is always difficult to say goodbye. I don't know if you have ever read the book Dog Heaven, but I always send it to friends who have lost a special pet, to cheer them up. Take care.xo, Whitney and BlairePeaches In A Pod

I am so sorry for your loss!!!! Losing a pet is the same thing as losing a family member. All of the dogs we had growing up have passed on in the last few years and it was very hard. I felt I was losing siblings. Your little Kiki was adorable and she looked very happy and loved.

So sorry to hear you had to put Kiki down:( My family and I had to make the same decision a few years back when our beloved Eboni became ill. Such a tough decision! So grateful for the sweet memories she left us. Sending positive vibes your way!

OMG Leeann, terribly sorry for your loss. She was so stinking cute too. I feel your pain because we did have a dog when I lived with my parents. My parents still have him. They do become part of the family, for sure. May she rest in peace!!

I'm so sorry! It's so hard to choose to put a pet to sleep. I cried for days when we lost our childhood dog. My dad called me at work to tell me she was gone and I had to take a half day off work. She was lucky to have you guys! I love her little life jacket! And I really love your hair color in the second picture of you!!

Aw, I am so sorry Leeann :( That's always so tough, I've lost a few special critters and it always hurts.

The photos of her in the mini sombrero and with the beer can totally brought a smile to my face (oh the things we do to our pets that they go along with to give us a good laugh, haha!)-- she is a cutie and looks like you had some fun memories with her!

I'm so, so sorry to hear about Kiki, Leeann. Losing a pet is one of the hardest things in the world- they truly become members of the family, best friends, little fur children. I had to put my dog down a few years ago and it was SO tough to do. I'm thinking of you!